Observer Editor
Michigan Theater
Film screenings every Wed.–Sun. Tickets $10.50 unless otherwise noted (children under 12, students, seniors age 65 & older & U.S. veterans, $8:50; MTF members, $8) in advance online (recommended) & at the door. For updated schedule, see MichTheater.org.
May 3: “All About Eve” (Joseph Mankiewicz, 1950). This multi-Oscar-winning film features Bette Davis in one of her greatest roles as an aging Broadway diva who’s clawed her way to the top, only to be threatened by a fan-turned-parasite. With Anne Baxter, George Sanders, Celeste Holm, and a cameo by Marilyn Monroe. 7 p.m.
May 4: “Star Wars: Episode IV–A New Hope” (George Lucas, 1977). The film that started the wildly popular sci-fi fantasy saga. Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Alec Guinness. 7:30 p.m.
May 6: “Being Mary Tyler Moore” (James Adolphus, 2023). Documentary with unprecedented access to archival footage, covering Moore’s career as an actress, performer, and advocate. Mary Tyler Moore, James L. Brooks, Rob Reiner. 6 p.m.
May 8: “Star Wars: Episode V–The Empire Strikes Back” (Irvin Kershner, 1980). The adventure continues as our heroes face down the Empire and Darth Vader, and Luke begins his Jedi training. Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford. 7:30 p.m.
May 9: “Man with a Movie Camera” (Dziga Vertov, 1929). Experimental Soviet silent documentary presenting life in Moscow, Kyiv, and Odessa. 7:30 p.m. Free.
May 12: “Labyrinth” (Jim Henson, 1986). Musical fantasy about a teenage girl who has 13 hours to navigate a maze to save her baby brother from the evil Goblin King. The screening is accompanied by a live shadowcast, in which onstage actors create the world of the film in sync with the action on the screen. David Bowie, Jennifer Connelly. 7:30 p.m.
May 14: “Paddington 2” (Paul King, 2017). Critically acclaimed sequel about the talking bear who lives with a London family. Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Brendan Gleeson. Kids 12 & under, free. 1:30 p.m.
May 15: “Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi” (Richard Marquand, 1983). Conclusion of the original trilogy, which sees Luke and friends facing off against Darth Vader and the Galactic Emperor. Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford. 7:30 p.m.
May 20: “2001: A Space Odyssey” (Stanley Kubrick, 1968). The mind-bending adaptation of Arthur C. Clarke’s short story, about astronauts and a sentient supercomputer investigating a mysterious monolith on the planet Jupiter. Keir Dullea, Douglas Rain. 7 p.m.
May 21: “National Theatre Live: Othello.” Broadcast of a taped 2022 National Theatre (London) performance of Shakespeare’s tragedy of jealousy, suspicion, and betrayal, The first production of the tragedy at the theater by a Black director, Clint Dyer, it focuses on the play’s often elided themes of race and class. The Guardian reviewer called it “a thrilling production with a radical climax.” 5 p.m. $22 (University Musical Society members, $18).
May 22: “Spaceballs” (Mel Brooks, 1987). Beloved, eminently quotable Star Wars parody featuring characters such as Dark Helmet, Pizza the Hut, and Princess Vespa. Cast includes Mel Brooks, John Candy, Rick Moranis, Bill Pullman. 7:30 p.m.
May 27: “Artie Shaw: Time Is All You’ve Got” (Brigitte Berman, 1985). Documentary about the Canadian clarinetist and bandleader, with a soundtrack of Shaw’s performances throughout his storied career. 5:30 p.m.
May 29: “Top Gun: Maverick” (Joseph Kosinski, 2022). Thrilling sequel to the 1986 original, which revisits Pete “Maverick” Mitchell as he trains a new generation of fighter pilots for a highly complex, risky mission. Tom Cruise, Miles Teller, Val Kilmer. Military veterans, free. 7:30 p.m.
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